Hello, just a heads up, there will be chapters I'll skip and chapters I'll join up just because there's no room for me to put David in, for example, in season 4 episode 3 "Snip", I'm skipping that one together and episode 4 and 5 I'm blending them in
Also, I have a question for you peeps, I was thinking of doing a sort of dramatic two-way between Andy and David, with Haley choosing David in the end, but I'm kind of second-guessing myself, I'm also thinking on having dating soon rather than later, or maybe having them on a casual relationship that becomes official thanks to Andy but I don't know, let me know what you think
Thank you for your understanding and enjoy the chapter
Chapter 3
"Are you sure this is it?" Mitch asked as both he and David arrived at the suspicious neighborhood Mitch parked in front of a shady broken two-floor house
"Well Jorge always likes to live on the edge, but it's totally safe, the neighborhood only keeps its appearance so that they don't raise the taxes around here," David said and then looked around
"But just to be safe it's better if you join me," David said stepping out of the car as Mitch followed suit looking around every once in a while
"Mitchell, you'll be fine, stop looking conspicuous," David said as he started walking through the sideway
"Wait David are you sure about this? Cam got a new job, maybe you won't need it," Mitchell said and David looked back
"Ah yeah Cam's new job, trust me there's no way you could have missed it," David said yawing "He's been practicing a lot in the middle of the night," David said
"This is how we sing, who can meet me up here
~," Cam was singing while playing the piano but stopped when Lily still in her pajamas plugged the chord of the piano and threw it away glaring at Cam
"Thank you, Lily!" David shouted from inside of his room
Then during the interview David had dozed off and was snoring till the cameraman woke him up "Wha, I'm awake, sorry," David said rubbing his eyes
"I do mister, it's mostly for myself, now can we please go inside?" David said as Mitch sighed but nodded nonetheless as both of them entered the shop
"Mira mira quien vino, el bebe David!" That was the first thing that Mitchell heard as he saw several Latin adults hugging and ruffling David's hair
Mitchell was going to interfere knowing David didn't like contact but then he saw David smiling and engaging with the adults and stopped his intentions
"Jefe! Es Davidcillo!" One of the workers said as David grumbled
"Pedro, ¿Cuantas veces tengo que decirte que no me llames Davidcillo?" David mumbled asking him to not call him a baby name again
"Me vale," Pedro said telling him he didn't care as Mitchell saw a much older man coming out from the storage room
"David! Mírate muchacho, ¿Cuando creciste tanto?" Jorge, the bossman of the office said with a huge smile on his face as he hugged David and the teen chuckled
"Mitch this is Jorge, he took care of me from time to time," David said as Mitch stepped forward to shake Jorge's hand
"Jorge, este es Mitchell, mi padre adoptivo por el momento," David said Jorge blinked and smiled as he went to shake Mitchell's hand
"You take care of David?" Jorge asked in broken English and Mitchell nodded his head "Thank you," Jorge said and then looked around "Traiganle algo de tomar al gringo," Jorge said as he order his men to bring a drink to Mitchell "Hablemos en mi oficina David," Jorge said and David nodded
"I'm gonna talk with Jorge about the job, you'll be okay Mitchell?" David said and Mitchell nodded as he took a seat in one of the chairs near him
Micthell saw how David followed Jorge inside and his mind went back to the conversation he had with Cam yesterday
"I don't know Mitch, what do we know about this Jorge?" Cam asked preoccupied as Mitch sighed and rubbed his face
Mitchell was sitting on the couch while Cam paced around in front of him "And where is this job? Besides I don't know if a kid like him should be working, oh my there going to say we're exploiting him," Cam said as Mitchell pinched his nose in annoyance
"No one is going to say that Cam," Mitch said with a sigh and Cam glared at him
"He's a kid, Mitchell, he shouldn't be working in god knows where," Cam said and Mitchell narrowed his eyes at him
"Cam I see your concerns but David is not a kid, he hasn't been for a while," Mitchell said and put a hand up stopping Cam's retort "Is not fair but I see it, David had to grow fast, and he's very independent, be glad he's telling us these things," Mitchell said
"But," Cam said and Mitch sighed and stood up
"Look, I'm taking him there, I'll take a look, and if it's too dangerous I'll pull the plug," Mitchell said and Cam sighed and nodded "You need to trust him, Cam, otherwise he will shut us off and then will lose him," Mitchell said and Cam sighed
"Okay, you're right, is just that I feel I'm not connecting with him as much as you are," Cam said and Mitchell rubbed his back
"Just give him some space, let him open up to you," Mitch said as Cam nodded and gave him a peck on the cheek
(In terms of practicality, the conversation between Jorge and David is going to be in English and italics, I'm dumping a lot of important info so that's why I'm not doing it like Gloria's and David's chat from Chapter 1, but they're still speaking in Spanish just keep that in mind)
Back in Jorge's office, David had made himself comfortable on the chair in front of the older man
"So kiddo, how you've been, you look healthy," Jorge said fixing some papers and David smiled
"I'm good, I thought no one wanted to give me a chance but this sweet couple took it and now I'm happy," David said as Jorge leaned over and put his elbows on top of the table
"And school did you start it yet?" Jorge asked and David shook his head
"I start tomorrow," David said and Jorge nodded and leaned back
"And what about soccer? Think that the school has a team?" Jorge said and David shrugged his shoulders
"I hope so, if it doesn't maybe I'll look for an external club or something," David said feeling confused by Jorge's questions
"Look David, I ask you these questions because I don't want to tie you to our contractor company, you need to be a kid, David," Jorge said and David sighed
"I know, trust me I know, but sadly I don't have time for it anymore," David said rubbing his head "I turn eighteen soon, and now I have to think about college, jobs, adulthood, everything like that," David explained
"Look I'm selfish, I want to party like other teens, I want to travel, I want a girlfriend and I want a motorcycle, and if I had a normal life I may have that without having to worry about the future," David said and Jorge sighed
"But?" Jorge asked rhetorically and David sighed
"But that was taken from me a while ago, and now I have to be a realist, for me to have a good future, I need funds, funds I don't want to take out my foster family, but ultimately I will, at least this way I may be able to help," David said and Jorge sighed
"I get it, trust me kid I get it," Jorge said and then rubbed his face "You know I won't treat you any different than my other workers right?" Jorge said and David nodded
"Yeah I expect as much," David said and Jorge narrowed his eyes
"I'll give you the job, but," Jorge said stopping David from celebrating "I need your class and soccer schedule before you start working with us," Jorge said as he got up from his seat, walked around the table, and put a hand on David's shoulder
"I know you're worried about the future, so let me worry about you for you, 'kay?" Jorge said and David nodded letting out a sigh
"Come on, let's give the guys the good news," Jorge said as he and David walked out of the office into the lobby to a funny scene
Mitchell was surrounded by all the workers as the redhead kept repeating Spanish swear words and every time he got it right the workers celebrated
"Gloria's going to kill me," David whispered as Jorge chuckled and clasped his shoulder
David was in his room in the early night working on research on soccer clubs in case the high school didn't have a soccer team, he found some near his home when his phone vibrated and a message popped up
"You're free?" David saw Haley's message on his phone and he grabbed it, he told her yeah and put it next to his laptop as he continued his research
"Pass me your Skype contact," He saw another message and he grew curious and passed it along, then a call entered his laptop and he clicked on hit while connecting some earphones
"Hey college girl, shouldn't you be asleep by now?" David asked rhetorically as Haley chuckled, she was wearing a loose white shirt and some shorts, and David couldn't help but stare
"I could ask the same of you, don't you start high school tomorrow?" Haley said noticing he was just wearing a white tank top showing his arms to the world and Haley couldn't keep her eyes from them
"More like changing schools," David said scratching his head
"Nervous?" Haley asked cheekily and David chuckled
"A little, I hate that I have to meet new people," David said and Haley chuckled
"Weren't you the one who told me to use this type of opportunity to re-invent yourself?" Haley said rhetorically
"That's different," David said and Haley looked at him confused
"How so? It's the same situation, David," Haley said and David chuckled
"Yeah but you're prettier than me," David said and Haley smiled as she fixed her hair
"Flattery won't change the subject, besides you are gorgeous too, not more than me but still," Haley said and David chuckled
"Jeez thanks, so how've you been, how's university?" David asked in curiosity as Haley grabbed the laptop and went to her bed
"It's been fine, I mean classes are hard but I'm managing by, parties are cool but there are no cute boys here, and it's kind of your fault," Haley said and David blinked in confusion
"My fault? Guerita, if I had that kind of power I wouldn't be worrying about school right now," David said and Haly snorted
"Is your fault for being you, and your sexiness," Haley said as David smiled like an idiot "I mean after I broke up with Dylan I was ready to date college boys but then you came along and now I can't get you out of my head," Haley said and David smile grew wider
"Wow you really know how to stroke one's ego," David said and then put his hand on his cheek "But please, no one really? I'm not going to judge you if that's the case," David said and Haley sighed
"Fine but don't get jealous, okay?" Haley said and David chuckled
"Haley, it's fine, nothing you ever do will lessen my attraction towards you," David said and Haley sighed and smiled
"Funny, I feel the same way, I wish you were here, I bet we could have so much fun together," Haley said and David snorted
"Of course, but I don't think your college could handle it," David said and Haley chuckled
"I have fun talking to you David, even if it's all flirting and that," Haley said as she looked at her nails "Well there hasn't been anything serious, only some make-out action in some parties, and a school aid," Haley said and David fake gasp
"A school aid? You horny girl," David said sarcastically and Haley rolled her eyes
"Shut up, he caught me outside my dorm and I just wanted to get out of trouble," Haley said and David chuckled "Anyhow, what about you? Any girls?" Haley asked and David shook his head
"Not really," David said as Haley gasped
"How? You're kidding right, you're very cute, not even one girlfriend?" Haley asked and David hummed
"Well I think that girl from the organization counts but we never were boyfriend and girlfriend," David said as Haley tilted her head in curiosity "Well it was mostly our curiosities getting a hold of us," David said as Haley frowned
"So, you haven't dated anyone?" Haley asked and David shook his head
"I couldn't connect with anyone back then, and well you know how it is," David said and Haley nodded
"Yeah, I get it, well, in my opinion, it's not about the experience is more about the connection with the other person," Haley said and David smiled as he leaned forward
"That's very deep, but I feel the same way," David said smiling as both teens just stopped talking for a moment and looked at each other
"On the off chance you find yourself in upper state, let me know, please," Haley said and David tilted his head
"Of course, but can I ask why?" David said and Haley leaned forward and smiled at him seductively
"Because I want to have sex with you, that simple," Haley said and David blinked and gulped "Now, let me see what you're wearing tomorrow," Haley said and David looked at her in confusion
"What?" David asked confused
"David, you're gorgeous but you don't have a fashion sense, so get to it," Haley said as David sighed and stood up disconnecting the earphones and walking to his closet
As the end of the night consisted of Haley approving but mostly disapproving of his clothes till she found something that she liked
They said goodbye promising to keep in touch as both teens turn in for the mind with the other person still in their minds
It was early afternoon and classes were done and right now David was looking at the board where the clubs were posted
Mitchell and Cam were obsessed with his outfit earlier in the morning, which consisted on a simple white with some black drawings shirt a pair of tight black jeans, and a golden small necklace all wrapped with some black vans
David was glad they didn't mention that he wasn't hiding his scars and tattoos but just in case he got in trouble, he took a simple black jacket along the way
After all, he was following Haley's advice, to cause a good impression and to not hide himself, and besides it was better to get his scars out in the open than having to explain them later on
"Looking for something in particular?" David heard a soft voice on his left and glanced there to see a blonde girl with whom he had shared a class earlier on
"Um, yeah, does this school have a soccer team?" David asked in curiosity and the girl blinked
"Soccer? You don't seem the type," The girl said and David blinked and tilted his head
"What type do I seem?" David asked in curiosity and the girl blushed in embarrassment
"Ah shit, that's very presumptuous of me isn't it? Is just that you give the rocker vibes," The girl said and then quickly grabbed a pamphlet from the wall "Here, is a small team but I think you'll like it," The girl said bringing her books closer still a little embarrassed
"Thanks, um, I didn't catch your name," David said and the girl blinked
"Ah right where did my manners go," The girl said putting her hand forward "Emily, Emily Harper," She said as David managed to push his phobia down and shook her head
"David, David Martinez, a pleasure," David said letting go of her hand
"Likewise," Emily said fixing her backpack "Can you do me a favor?" Emily asked and David nodded his head
"Sure," David said with a little curiosity in his voice
"Can you pretend I didn't just make a fool of myself?" Emily asked and David snorted
"Sure, but if is of any worth, I didn't think you did," David said and Emily chuckled
"Thank you is just that I tend to mumble dumb things in front of cute boys," Emily said as David blinked and tilted his head
"You think I'm cute?" David asked as Emily turned red and cursed under her breath
"Shit, I did it again, it was nice to meet you, David, I'm leaving before I say something stupider," Emily said practically running away
"Nice to meet you," David said looking at where Emily had run off and then looked at the pamphlet noticing there were tryouts today at 4:30
He thanked his sixth sense because he had packed his soccer boots and a training outfit just in case there were open tryouts today, so he started walking to the field but then something caught his eye on his peripheral
He saw Luke being rubbed by some older kids at the back of the school and he decided to do something about it
He opened the door to the outside as the kids stopped ruffling the younger of the Dunphy's kid
"David?" Luke asked in confusion as David narrowed his eyes at the older boys who were looking at him in uncertainty
Sure the kids were a year older than Luke but they were still, at least three years younger than David, and in the kids' perspective David looked massive and with the tattoos and scars he looked pretty scary so they could only manage to take a step back
"I'm going to count to three, and if you're not gone when I'm finished, I'll plant your faces on the concrete," David said narrowing his eyes as the kids gulped "One," David said and the kids bolted away
David sighed and looked to his right where Luke was bent picking some stuff "You're okay there buddy?" David asked as he bent down and started helping Luke pick up his stuff
"Yeah, I'm fine, it's nothing, thanks for your help," Luke said anxious quickly picking the stuff up and David put a hand on his shoulder
"Hey, hey buddy, it doesn't seem like nothing, what's wrong?" David said as Luke sighed and dropped his stuff and dropped to the floor and David noticed it was stuff that a magician would carry
"Is it because of this stuff?" David asked and Luke nodded and sniffed a little
"Yeah, my dad signed me up for some magic classes and ever since these older kids have been messing up with me," Luke said as David took a seat next to him
"Have you talked to your dad about it?" David asked and Luke nodded
"He knows, he told me it was okay if I stopped so I was moving my stuff back home when they got me," Luke said as David sighed and put a hand on Luke's back in support
"I'm sorry, kids can be mean sometimes," David said looking at the objects in the ground "Did you like magic?" David asked in curiosity and Luke nodded
"My dad was proud, and I was good, but I couldn't take being made fun of," Luke said and David nodded in understanding
"Well, people at that age tend to make fun of the things that are unique, but you shouldn't stop doing things you like just because of that," David said as Luke kept sniffing
"Easy for you to say," Luke said as David stood up
"Come on buddy stand up," David said as Luke looked at him in confusion and David just raised an eyebrow at Luke, forcing the younger kid to stand up "There's a way to make the bullying stop a little, I'm not saying this is a safe proof plan but it may help you a bit," David explained as Luke looked up at him in curiosity
"You got to pretend like it doesn't bother you," David said as Luke at him in confusion "Whenever they try to make fun of you verbally, agree with them, tell them yeah magic is stupid but I like it, I'm sorry you feel that way, that sort of things," David said
"Bullies seek engagement, they want you to react, so they can feel good for themselves, so don't give them the satisfaction," David said and Luke down
"What about the physical aspect?" Luke asked a little afraid and then David sighed
"Then you punch them in their nose and make a run for it," David said as Luke looked up in confusion "Close your fist," David said as Luke did that and David fixed the posture of it
"When you noticed that there's no escape, that they won't let you off, you strike, here," Dabid said pointing at Luke's nose bridge "Best scenario, you will break their noses and that will be it, but on the realistic side, it will confuse them and that's when you run for it," David said as Luke nodded in understanding
"Now, I didn't give you this advice 'kay?" David said as Luke nodded "I just don't want your parents to get mad at me," David said ruffling Luke's hair
"So, better now buddy?" David said as Luke sniffed one last time and nodded "Your mother is picking you up?" David asked and Luke shook his head
"I usually use this time to go to the park and play a bit and then they pick me up," Luke said and David hummed and looked at his watch
"How about this, I have tryouts for the soccer team in about twenty minutes, if you can wait, I'll treat you to ice cream, sounds good?" David asked and Luke nodded with an excited smile
"Come on, let me call your mother, and then you can show me all your magic tricks," David said leading Luke forward while taking his phone out
"You were so cool and so fast, I blinked and you were already scoring a goal!" Luke said excitedly
He and David were sitting at an outside table of the ice shop on the plaza near the school waiting for their order, David had changed into sports clothing consisting of a pair of black shorts, a Real Madrid soccer shirt, and his spare soccer boots,
When he was doing tryouts he was able to ignore the stares at his arms thanks to his ability to focus on the sport but on the plaza he didn't want the trouble so he put a black hoodie on top to avoid them
"I was okay," David said downplaying his efforts and Luke looked at him confused
"You're kidding, right? You were amazing, you managed to pass by four dudes easily," Luke said and David chuckled
"Thank you, buddy," David said with a smile and Luke leaned forward
"Think you can teach me?" Luke said and David blinked in confusion
"Um sure, but what about magic?" David asked in curiosity "You seem so excited about it," David said and Luke sighed
"I want to, but maybe just in my house for a while, I don't really like being made fun of," Luke said and David sighed, he wanted to say something but their waitress arrived
"One dark chocolate medium size for the cutie here," The girl waitress said giving Luke his share of ice cream "And one medium-sized vanilla cup, enjoy," The waitress said giving David his share
"Thank you," David said with a smile as the waitress nodded and went away "Look, Luke," David said as both boys snorted at that "I won't tell you what to do with your hobbies, but just think about it okay?" David said and Luke nodded
Both boys started eating their ice cream in silence for a while till Luke asked something that almost made David choke on his food
"Hey I was wondering, what were does red marks on your left arm?" Luke asked and David choked on his food and then started coughing
"What?" David asked punching his chest and trying to get the cough under control
"You have some red line marks on your arm, did you draw them like the ones in your right arm?" Luke asked as David blinked "I saw them on your tryouts," Luke said and David's mind quickly raced for an explanation
"Uhm yeah, my marks," David said quickly finding a lie knowing if he told the truth he would traumatize the kid "Well they aren't marks they're scars, you see my house almost burned down and I got injured rescuing my dog," David said and he cringed mentally at what he came up with
"Like a superhero?" Luke said and David nodded still feeling a little embarrassed "So cool! You're the coolest person I've ever met!" Luke said and David blushed a little
"You're just saying that," David said and Luke shook his head
"I'm not, you are, right below my dad," Luke said and David smiled and looked down
"Thanks, I also think you're cool Luke," David said as Luke smiled and then kept eating his ice cream
"Did you know Uncle Cam became a music teacher?" Luke said and David nodded with a sigh
"Yeah, he hasn't let me sleep for the past week," David said taking a bite of his ice cream "How was it?" David said and he saw the face Luke made "That bad huh?" David said and Luke nodded
"It was a train wreck, want to know what of the things he said?" Luke asked and David nodded "He said he wanted to make music with our bodies," Luke said and David snorted
"No, you're joking," David said and Luke shook his head
"I'm not, he tried too hard and no one really cared," Luke said and David chuckled and shook his head
"And let me guess, he tried harder, and fell apart?" David said and Luke nodded "Jesus, he should know by now to not make huge expectations," David said taking a bite of his ice cream
Both kids enjoyed their meals sharing stories and laughing at them creating a little bond till Luke's parents came to pick him up, David felt happy he had this moment with Luke, the more ties he made with the rest of the family the better it felt
Mitch needed a break after the whole Lily costume situation and went into the kitchen for a drink, he pour himself a small glass of wine and then saw David moving some boxes and wood planks around in the backyard
Mitch walked out and looked at David in curiosity "David sweety, what are you doing?" Mitchell asked as David put a box down
"Huh, oh, I'm building an Altar de Dia de Muertos an ofrenda, an altar for the dead," David said and glanced back to Mitch "Mr. Tucker said it was okay, although he didn't ask what it was, I can take it down if you want," David said and Mitch shook his head
"No, it's okay, what's an Altar de Dia de Muertos?" Mitch asked with curiosity in his voice
"Um, there's a belief in my culture the Mexican culture that is, I don't know if other Latin countries have it," David said rambling a little putting the boxes together against the wall
"Anyhow, instead of Halloween, we celebrate Dia de los Muertos," David said as Mitch walked to where he was and David noticed Mitch's curiosity "We believe there's a world where the deceased spend their time, a sort of afterlife, and a veil separates this world to that world from the afterlife," David said as Mitch took a seat on a chair near him listening to David with interest
"And on Dia de los Muertos, a holiday that spams from the 31st of October to the 2nd of November, that veil weakens a little allowing the spirits of the dead to walk into our world to visit their loved ones," David explained fixing the boxes mimicking a set of steps
"Sound interesting, so the Altar is for what?" Mitch asked as David moved the planks and grabbed a saw and started cutting them
"Well, these spirits need a permit to come here sort to speak, they need a location to arrive, a place where the living could spend time with those who have gotten ahead of us, and this altar is a way for the living to sort of talk to these spirits and for the spirit to console the living for their loss," David said as Mitch nodded in understanding
"That's very deep," Mitch said and David nodded as he put the planks on each "Step" of the boxes just for support for him to put things on top of it "So, who are you making an altar for?" Mitch said taking a sip of his drink
"My mom," David said as Mitch choked on his drink "Is there something wrong?" David asked in curiosity and Mitch shook his head
"No, nothing's wrong, you just caught me off-guard," Mitch said managing his cough "May I ask why?" Mitch asked and David sighed
"Well, I used to do it with my dad when I was young before he resorted to alcoholism, and yeah you could say, David why are you making an ofrenda for someone you don't know," David said as he took a seat in front of the boxes
"But my dad used to play me videos of her, and I feel like I did, I felt like I do know her, and from what I saw, is that she loved me and that if she was alive she would've loved me, that's why every year, I take the time to do this and talk to her about everything, and hope that she's here listening to me," David said as Mitch looked at David tears threatening to come out
"Sorry if I got your mood down," David said and Mitch shook his head
"No don't worry, it's a beautiful reason, is there any way I can help you honey?" Mitch asked as David blinked
"Um, I think I left a tablecloth in the kitchen, if it's not much trouble, could you bring it here?" David asked as Mitch nodded and stood up "And also, could I ask for another favor?" David asked and Mitch stopped and turned back to look at the teen who had stood up and given Mitch a picture in the process
"Think you or Cam could help me paint my face later?" David said as Mitch saw the picture of David in his younger years with a skeleton painted on his face "It's called a Catrina custom and it's what I always dressed up for Halloween, is part of the Dia de los Muertos tradition," David said as Mitch thought of what Cam had told him of not connecting with David
"Of course, but I have to say Cam is more artistic than me," Mitch said and David snorted "Right, so I think he could do a better job than me," Mitch said David sighed but nodded and Mitchell noticed this
"David, may I ask you something?" Mitch asked and David nodded "Um, how can I say this, do you have a problem with Cam?" Mitch asked and David's eyes widen
"No, no, there's no problem, I'm sorry if it seemed that way," David said clearly feeling nervous Mitch put a hand on his shoulder
"David, honey, it's okay, if there is a problem please tell me, I won't tell Cam, it can stay between us," Mitch said letting go of his shoulder as David sighed and looked down at the floor
"Promise not to judge me okay?" David asked and Mitch nodded "I'm scared of him," Davis said and Mitch's eyes widened
"You're scared of him?" Mitch asked in confusion and David sighed but nodded nonetheless
"It's not him don't per se, is more the attitude he expresses," David said and Mitch frowned still confused
"His attitude?" Mitch asked and David frowned in deep thought
"Here let me give you an example, say you're going to a party, a small but fun party, with all your friends and relatives, out of the two of you, who makes his presence known first? who draws the eyes of everyone first? who prides himself on being the center of attention, if just a little bit, in these types of scenarios?" David asked a little rhetorically but still gave Mitch time to respond
"Cam," Mitch said still not getting where David was going
"And there's nothing wrong with that, he's an extrovert through and through, but the reason why I'm afraid of him," David said "Is because my Dad was just like that," David said and Mitch's eyes widened again this time in shock
"He pried himself off being able to throw these extravagance parties, and being the center of the attention, you know the type, the one that always seems to have a way of having a conversation with anyone," David said and Mitch sighed
"Yeah I know the type, one of our friends is like that, and so is Cam a little bit," Mitch said and David sighed
"Look, like I said Mr. Tucker seems lovely, but when my father was a wild card, at first when he changed, I could never tell what I would get, a loving father, an alcoholic, or an abuser, later I started to notice and expect the sings just so that I could avoid a beating," David said and Mitch sighed
"I get it, Cam sets that bells off for you right, he keeps you on edge doesn't he?" Mitch said and David nodded
"He does, like I said it's not him, it's just my weird habits kicking in, I'm sorry," David said looking down
"No, don't you apologize, it's not your fault David," Mitch said as David looked up with emotion in his eyes
"It is, how can someone be scared of people like that, I'm broken, I can't even let Mr. Tucker paint my face, I'm a coward," David said and Mitch heard enough and decided to risk it and hugged the child in front of him
"You're not broken David, and you most certainly aren't a coward," Mitch said rubbing circles on his back "You're just injured and scared, things we can work together to heal," Mitch said as he saw that David wasn't moving
He felt like he overstepped and was about to break the hug and tell David he was sorry when he felt David's hand on his back, he saw that David was hugging him and that the teen had put his head on the redhead's shoulder
"You really think I can be fixed?" David asked letting out a few sniffs as Mitch put a hand on David's head
"Yeah, I really think so," Mitchell said and David smiled
"Thank you," David said "I promise I won't let you down," David said as Mitchell chuckled and tightened the hug
"I know you won't," Mitch said he let David cry whatever he needed on his shoulder
"Look up a little sweety," Mitch said as he was almost done painting David's face as a Catrina "I had a little trouble with the decorations, but I think it looks a lot like the video," Mitch said as David blinked getting used to the makeup
"Can I see?" David asked as Mitch nodded and passed him a mirror, David eyes' widen and he moved his face around looking at every detail "Whoa, this is amazing, thank you very much, Mitch," David said still looking at his reflection
"We're back!" Cam shouted from the kitchen as he put the groceries on the counter and led Lily, who was wearing a princess costume "Mitch, what's that on the outside?" Cam asked as David still was focused on his reflection
"It's David's altar, I'll explain later," Mitch said quickly cutting Cam from taking a step toward the Mexican teen as Lily ran towards her adopted big brother "We need to talk," Mitch said as Cam looked at Mitch in confusion
"How do I look Lils?" David asked in curiosity as Lily looked at his face in wonder
"Whoa," Lily said as David chuckled and ruffled her hair
"What is it?" Cam asked as Mitch sighed
"Look I won't get into details, but David opened up, and I just want to remind you to take things slow," Mitch said and Cam blinked in confusion
"Did you learn something?" Cam asked and Mitch nodded
"I did, but he asked me to keep it between us, and I won't betray his trust, this time you'll have to wait for him to approach you," Mitch said and Cam looked at him wanting an explanation "Don't try to smother him like you did Lily, okay?" Mitch said and Cam sighed but nodded
"Hey misters," David said making the older couple look at him and Cam squealed looking at his face paint and Mitch pinched his nose
"Oh my god David, you look incredible, what are going as?" Cam asked excited and Mitch looked at David apologetically and David looked at him saying it was fine with his eyes
"Um, it's called Catrin, is a symbol of lady death and a show of respect," David said and Cam blinked
"Oh that sounds, interesting," Cam said and David looked nervous and Mitch picked it up
"You wanted to tell us something?" Mitch asked quickly changing the topic and David nodded
"Yeah I was wondering, maybe me and Lily could go ahead and start trick and treating while you set and start the party," David said and Mitch and Cam got confused
"Is just that I'm not big on parties and Lily might get bored quickly, so," David said as Cam hummed and looked at Mitchell who was in deep thought
"I realized exactly what David was doing very quickly, I did it a few times myself with my dad's parties back in the day," Mitch said to the camera "And I couldn't blame him not after everything he told me, I just hope Cam won't get to upset," Mitch said
"Um, I don't," Cam started saying but Mitchell beat him to it
"Yeah of course, just make sure to be back by nine," Mitch said and David smiled and nodded
"Yes, of course, thank you, I'll go change into my costume now," David said excitedly and ran to his room but then stopped midway through and looked back at the couple "Um also, could you tell your guests to be careful with the altar, especially the leaves?" David said and Mitch nodded
"We will," Mitch said and David smiled and went back to his room Cam cleared his throat and looked at Mitch in confusion "Cam, I know what you're going to say, but you know how our friends, it's best if we don't overwhelmed him," Mitch said and Cam nodded
"So what's the thing outside? You told me it was an altar?" Cam asked and Mitch nodded
"It's like a little shrine, an ofrenda for his mother," Mitch said as Cam's eyes widen
"His mother? I thought he didn't know her," Cam said and Mitch sighed
"Is a long story, but overall, he still loves her, and his right to make her a shrine," Mitch said and Cam nodded
"Is David's mom a princess too?" Lily asked as Mitchell's eyes widened and Cam looked at Mitch in confusion again
"She's just saying things, come on let's go see your costume," Mitch said as Cam forgot what Lily had said at the mention of his costume
Meanwhile, David entered his room and put his costume on, which was a simple black suit with a white flower drawing on its back topped with a dark red tie around it all he also had a little top hat with some red and blue flowers on it resting on his bead as he was debating if he should wear it or not
He picked up his phone and decided to get some outside help, so he texted Haley, asking her if she was free for a Skype call
He didn't have to wait long for her response, and he started opening his laptop when he saw that she had told him that she was indeed free
"What's up, oh whoa, look at you all dressed up," Haley said when she noticed his suit and David chuckled but then his words fell from his mouth when he saw her costume
He recognized the outfit instantly, she was wearing Regina George's costume, a simple sexy bunny costume
"Hi, you look, whoa," David said and Haley chuckled at his reaction
"Thank you," Haley said and then leaned forward "You painted your face, what are you supposed to be?" Haley asked in curiosity as David blinked getting back to the real world
"Ah right, is called a Catrin, a symbol of respect to Lady Death, a tradition of my country," David said as Haley looked at the painting in wonder "And I need your help with it, your fashion help to be precise," David said and Haley blinked "You did told me I should come to you for any fashion advice," David said and Haley nodded with a smile on her face
"Oh, well of course, what can I do to help?" Haley asked expectantly and David stood up
"So this is the whole outfit, and I'm wearing these shoes," David said showing her a simple pair of black normal shoes, "What do you think?" David asked and Haley hummed
"Do you have any other ties?" Haley asked and David looked around
"Well, I have this blue one, and this white one, but I felt that the red one suited the vibe better," David said and Haley narrowed her eyes
"It does but I think that the white one goes better with the drawing on the back," Haley said and David looked at it and shrugged his shoulders as he started changing ties
"Anything else?" David asked in curiosity and Haley shook her head
"Nah, you did a pretty good job, I'm actually proud," Haley said and David smiled feeling proud and then he grabbed the hat "No, drop the hat," Haley said and David looked at her with amusement
"You didn't even give it a look," David said and Haley frowned
"David, one of your best features is your hair, so don't ever cover that up, besides I think the hat is just over the top," Haley said and David sighed but nodded
"Yeah you're right," David said dropping the hat on the bed "So final question, should I leave my hair like this or with a slicked-back hairstyle?" David said and Haley just raised an eyebrow at him "What?" David asked in confusion
"What did I just say? Leave it like that," Haley said and David sighed
"Fine, it's not fair you're hotter when you're bossy," David said and Haley chuckled, and then a voice outside her dorm grabbed her attention
"Hey David, I have to go, see you later send me picks okay," Haley said and David nodded
"See you later Haley," David said as he turned the call off, he mused a little looking at the black screen in front of him
Something fell off to him it may have been only him but Haley looked stressed and tired, but he wasn't that good at picking these types of things, he also got a little concerned, her expression looked familiar and although he wasn't judging Haley's lifestyle he wasn't the biggest fan of alcohol, but he shook his head and got rid of those thoughts, he rather not think of it today
"So, how's our loot looking?" David asked Lily as the little girl looked up in confusion
"What's a loot?" Lily asked and David looked down at her
"Um, like our treasure? The candy we gather so far, that kind of thing," David said and Lily showed him her bowl in excitement
"I got Hershey's, and skittles and Resses," Lily said as David faked a gasp
"Resses, how fancy, maybe I'll take some," David said cheekily and Lily frowned at him
"No those are my favorites, you can have the Skittles," Lily said and David nodded
"Of course your highness," David said chuckling as both teen and child kept walking on the sidewalk, but then David saw a familiar girl walking in his direction towards the last house on this side of the street
"Come Lily, I think I see a friend," David said as he pushed Lily forward a little as they entered the teen girl's view
"Emily hi," David said waving at her a little as the girl blinked a little
"David? Wow I didn't recognize you with face paint, you look awesome," Emily said and David scratched his hair
"Thanks, you look great too, Princess Leia right?" David said looking at her costume as Emily nodded feeling a little embarrassed
"And this little guy, wait don't tell me, Han Solo?" David said pretending not to not know what the costume was
"No, I'm Luke Skywalker," Emily's little brother said proudly as David did a fake gasp
"My apologies Master Jedi," David said as Emily chuckled at the boy's interactions and then noticed an anxious Lily next to David
"And this little sweetheart?" Emily asked as David looked down at Lily who was looking at him with a little glare
"Ah right, how could I forget," David said clearing his throat "Greetings, may I present the fabulous and most prestigious, Princess Lily first of her name," David said turning his voice into a posh one and Emily looked at him in amusement
Lily did a royal salute and Emily played along as she took a small bow "Pleasure to meet you, Princess Lily," Emily said as Lily smiled
"Sis, can I go to the next house now?" Emily's little brother said as David noticed how anxious he had become
"Lily why don't you and," David said looking at Emily for her little's brother name
"George," Emily said and David nodded
"Why don't you and George go ahead to the next house? After all is right here in front of us," David said as Lily nodded
"Come on George, let's get a lot of candy!" Lily said as George ran next to her with excitement both older siblings looked at their younger ones with a smile
"What a surprise meeting you here," David said and Emily looked at him with a smile
"You can say that, so, she's your sister?" Emily asked in curiosity and David hummed
"Well, we're both adopted, but she labeled me as her big brother, so yeah she is," David said as he looked at her
"You've been avoiding me in class," David said and Emily scratched her hair
"Ah well, after I made a fool of myself in front of you, could you blame me?" Emily asked rhetorically and David snorted
"I get it, but you're being too hard on yourself," David said "If it's of any consolation, you made a very first good impression," David said chuckling as Emily grumbled and pinched her nose
"I'm really sorry, can we start fresh?" Emily said and David nodded "I heard you joined the soccer team," Emily said and David blinked
"Wow, word got to you fast," David said and Emily chuckled sheepishly
"Well, my friend Layla's boyfriend is on the team, and he spoke about a new kid that joined the team, and I kind of put two and two together," Emily said and David nodded but couldn't help to keep in the sigh that left his mouth
"Is there a problem?" Emily asked and David shook his head
"No, well is more me than anything," David said as Emily looked at him with curiosity in her eyes "Coach has a different sports philosophy than me, and I don't think we're clicking but I'll get over it," David said and Emily nodded
"The one for all and all for one philosophy?" Emily asked rhetorically and David nodded
"Yeah, exactly how did you know?" David asked and Emily sighed
"Jack, Layla's boyfriend, he complains a lot about it too, and after hearing it over and over again, it kind of got stuck," Emily said as David sighed
"Is just that, is clear to me that Coach isn't a soccer coach," David said "Don't get me wrong, a team philosophy is great in other sports like basketball and that, but in soccer, especially in the striker position, is just isn't," David said as Emily grew curious but then they saw their little sibling coming towards them
"Well I'd love to hear more about it, but it seems we have to keep going," Emily said and David frowned in deep thought
"Want to join us?" David asked and Emily blinked in surprised
"Um, I don't know, I don't want to bother you," Emily said and David chuckled
"It's fine, we're making the final turn of the block, so we're going back, but if you don't want to I'll understand," David said and Emily mused as their siblings got to where they were
"Hey buddy, what did you get?" Emily asked bending down as George showed her a bar of Hershey's chocolate "Whoa, nice score, say, buddy, would you like to join Lily and David on trick or treating?" Emily asked as David was asking the same of Lily
Both younger kids nodded excitedly and quickly started walking forward together as the older siblings chuckled and followed them from behind
"Seems George answered for you," David said chuckling as Emily nodded with a smile on her face
"So, you were saying," Emily said and David nodded
"Right, look this is going to sound egotistical, but the only thing that matters in soccer is scoring a goal," David said "Winning, is that simple, and coach philosophy is the let's just have a good time kind of philosophy, that's not a winning philosophy," David said and Emily nodded
"Yeah, it's similar to what Jake said," Emily said and David nodded "Is competitiveness isn't it?" Emily said and David nodded
"Yeah, that's a simple way of putting it," David said noticing Emily had trouble getting "Is there something that you like to do? A sport or a hobby?" David asked and Emily nodded
"Yeah, gymnastics, I'm on the school team," Emily said and David nodded
"Okay, then picture this, you're in a national competition, you've been training so hard to win, and you're delivering, every single set, maneuver, and pose are near perfect, and you got the competition on the bag, and then on the finals, your coach asks to speak to you," David said
"Hey, you know Jenny, the new kid in the team, well she's also excited to participate so she's taking the majority of the spectacle, you're okay with that, right? We're a team after all, one for all and all for one, thank you for understanding," David said and Emily frowned in disgust
"That sounds fucking awful," Emily said and David nodded
"Then the competition is out of your hands and is up to Jenny, and if you lose all that work goes to the drain, and if you win, well the glory ain't yours anymore," David said with a sigh "Is the same with soccer, it happened to me one time in middle school," David said
"What happened?" Emily asked in curiosity
"A game, we were tied one to one, and I had the ball, and the only thing in front of me was the goalkeeper and the goal, then I saw a teammate open, but I was better than him, I knew I could score the goal, then my couch shouted at me to pass the ball, so I did because we're a team," David said and Emily was listening carefully
"He missed, and the other team made a comeback, and we lost," David said looking forward "I still remember the frustration I felt, and that's why I don't agree with that philosophy, even if makes me sound egotistical," David said and Emily looked ahead in deep thought
"I see where you're getting at, victory feels nice, and losing sucks," Emily said and David nodded
"Yeah, especially if that win was thanks to you," David said and Emily nodded and smiled happily when she found some similarities with the teen next to her
And the rest of the trip both teens kept chatting with one another and getting to know each other and David was happy that, at least in his mind, had made a new friend
David was sitting on the floor in front of the Altar he had made, both he and Lily had returned from trick and treating, he said hi to some of Cam and Mitch's friends but after a while it got tiring, so after a while, he disappeared into the backyard
"I thought I'd find you here kiddo," David heard a familiar rigged voice and glanced back seeing Jay in an astronaut costume coming towards him "You're hiding?" Jay asked as David sighed
"Was I that obvious?" David said as Jay took a seat next to the Mexican teen
"Well, sometimes I do the same at these types of parties myself," Jay said with a sigh and looked ahead "Your mother?" Jay asked and David nodded
"Yes, would you like to light up a candle sir?" David asked putting some matches in front of Jay
"Sure," Jay said as he lit up a match and light up a candle
"Sir, no disrespect but may I ask you why you're here? You seemed to be having fun at the party earlier," David asked as Jay threw the match away
"Well, if I'm being honest, Gloria asked me to come and check to see if you're okay," Jay said and David nodded
"That makes more sense," David said as he sighed "It's just that these types of parties just bring back bad memories," David said as Jay gave him a look of curiosity
"Mr. Pritchett nor Mr. Tucker had talked about my father? And my childhood to you?" David asked and Jay shook his head
"They just said you had it rough and that's all, is more Gloria's concerns, she told me some stuff and that I should talk to you, told me I would understand better than anyone," Jay said as David hummed
"Well, my dad used to say that a Latin woman's instincts were never wrong, so maybe she's right," David said sighing and again debating mentally whether to say or not to say anything
"My old man, he took several emotional hits when I was young, he lost mom at childbirth, and then he was forced to retire from soccer due to a knee injury," David said as he crossed his legs "We lost a lot of money, and was a kid with a lot of needs, ADHD, Dyslexia and that sort, so that made him resort to alcohol, and his anger issues grew up," David said playing with the grass
"And he needed an outlet, and took it all on you didn't he?" Jay asked and David nodded
"Yeah, later when child services took me way I learned that he had become Bi-polar and well, that explained a lot," David said as he scratched his neck
"I'm sorry kid," Jay said with a sigh "I get what you're saying, my old man wasn't the greatest of persons," Jay said and David blinked
"Did he abuse you too? If you don't mind me asking?" David asked
"It's fine, he didn't physically, he couldn't be bothered, I was just always a disappointment to him, nothing I ever did could be enough for him, I just never connected with him, and he didn't want to connect with me," Jay said and David nodded
"Well emotional abuse is abuse nonetheless," David said as he took his jacket off and put it on his legs as he moved his sleeves up trying to make himself comfortable
"Ah I see, you're tougher than I realized," Jay said and David blinked and looked down at his left arm
"Ah right, I'm getting more comfortable with it," David said calmly "I don't want to get too into it, they're burn scars if you're wondering sir," David said and Jay nodded in understanding
Jay remained silent letting David speak at his own pace, Jay knew that sometimes people just needed the silent and comfortable company
"Sir, can I ask you something?" David asked without looking at Jay
"Of course," Jay said and David looked at him and Jay noticed the confused and lost eyes Jay had in his younger eyes
"Is it wrong that there's a part of me that still loves him?" David asked and Jay put a hand on David's shoulder
"No it's not wrong, is just human," Jay said as both men stayed like that for a while looking at the altar in silence
End of Chapter 3